Throughout this chaotic women’s basketball season, there has been one constant: Lindsay Page ’05, who has yet to miss a start and leads the team in points and rebounds.
With a staggering number of injured teammates, Page has borne a heavier-than-expected load. But she has responded with productivity and whatever the team needs.
“The injuries haven’t increased the pressure on me, but it’s even more pertinent that I do my part every game,” Page said. “It has made me work harder to reach that consistency every single game because there’s not a lot of slack if I don’t, especially with not a lot of players on the bench.”
Page’s role on the team has not changed because of the altered rotations, but the importance of her tasks has grown. Page prides herself on setting at the high post, probing the defense, finding holes, and then utilizing her lethal mid-range jump shot. And this season, she has played her part expertly.
“Lindsay knows what she has to do, and she knows that’s her role,” head coach Amy Backus said. “After the first couple of games, she really realized what she had to do.”
As a freshman last season, Page stormed onto the Yale scene, earning Ivy League All-Rookie Team honors after winning the Rookie of the Week award twice and the Co-Player of the Week title once. She finished the season third on the team in scoring.
But Page knew that more would be expected of her during her sophomore campaign, especially after a breakthrough performance early in her freshman season against Albany. A newcomer feeling out her role, Page exploded for a 27-point second half to reach 35 on the evening, setting a new Yale record in the process for points scored in a single game.
“I came in not knowing what expectations I should have, but after that game I rose the bar for myself, and the coaches increased their expectations,” Page said. “Now I’m working to be consistent at that level and bring up my defensive game as well. It boosted my confidence and made me think about what I could really bring to the team.”
In high school in Kamiak, Wash., Page set school records for points in a game, points in a season and points in a career while leading her team to a conference championship. She also captained the volleyball team, but she said she ultimately chose to stick with basketball because of its fast-paced and physical nature.
Page played on the AAU Seattle Magic team with current Bulldog teammate Morgan Richards ’05. Following media reports of local high school basketball in her state, Page heard constant mention of Tory Mauseth ’05, who also committed to play for the Elis.
“It was really great how it worked out,” Page said. “I didn’t know what other people were thinking. We all kept it private because we didn’t want it to be a competition. But then we all found out we were going here together, and the three of us played an all-star game in Seattle the summer after our senior year. I met Tory there, and it was a lot of fun.”
Whether or not there is something in the water in Washington remains to be determined, but the three recruits from the Northwest have been three of the most durable Bulldogs this season. Mauseth and Richards are first and second, respectively, in team assists. And both rank in the top five in points and rebounds.
Growing up attending University of Washington women’s basketball games, Page is understandably excited about next season’s trip to her state university to play in the Huskies’ Thanksgiving Tournament in front of her friends and family. But for now, Page is just working to improve her defense and three-point shooting to add more dimension to her game. And that’s exactly what her coach expects of her.
“You look at Lindsay, and she’s been such a mature player and a mature person since she stepped on the court as a freshman that you forget she’s a sophomore,” Backus said. “She has a lot to learn defensively, but she knows she’s going to be on the court, and she’s making great strides.”
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